Toddler-Friendly Banana Oat Bars {with Dried Cranberries & Dates!}
Fun. Nutritious. Delicious. If you have a toddler who loves banana, you’ve got to try this recipe! My Toddler-friendly Banana Oat Bars are simple to make and packed with only 5 everyday ingredients – bananas, peanut butter, rolled oats, dates, and dried cranberries. They are a quick and easy breakfast, fun lunchbox snack, or a special afternoon treat (with the addition of a few chocolate chips!). My Banana Oat Bars are my favourite bars to make with my little one and are such a fun way to get kiddos involved in the kitchen. Together, you can mash the bananas, smell your peanut butter, stir the oats, and add in your favourite dried fruits (and *of course* taste test along the way!) I hope you love this recipe as much as we do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Bowl Recipe – Less cleanup, more fun!
- Naturally Sweetened – Bananas and dried fruit (dates and cranberries) bring natural sweetness without added processed sugar.
- Plant-based – No eggs or dairy. Perfect for little ones with allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Gluten-free – No glutenous flour, only hearty, naturally gluten-free oats
- Customizable – Swap in your favourite nut butter or mix-ins to make it your own!
- Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch and have snacks ready for the week!
(note: if you have a gluten- allergy – please take extra care to find oats that are certified gluten-free)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely! Peanut butter can be substituted with sunflower seed butter or tahini for nut-free options.
What type of oats should I use?
I love to use Old-fashioned or Sprouted rolled oats for their firm and hearty texture. Quick/Instant oats can also be used for a slightly softer, while equally delicious, banana oat bar.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Store these banana oat bars in an airtight container or freezer bag, for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Of course! My little one loves dried fruit (dates, cranberries, dried cherries, dried mangos) so I occasionally mix it up and use whatever dried fruit we have on hand. I also love to add chopped walnuts and shredded coconut for variety. This recipe works well with equal substitution of the cranberries and dates with your favourite nuts/dried fruits.
How do I store these bars?
I recommend keeping these banana oat bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. (note: I also freeze these bars after baking to have them ready to go for even longer!)
Ingredients you will need:
- Bananas – 3 ripe bananas (note: their skin should be yellow with brown spots)
- Rolled Oats (Old-fashioned or Sprouted) – 2 1/4 cups of large oats
- Peanut Butter – 1/2 cup of peanut butter or any other nut/seed butter
- Cranberries – 1/2 cup of whole, dried cranberries
- Dates (pitted!) – 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped into small pieces
- *optional: chocolate chips for an extra special treat!
Step-by-step instructions to make Banana Oat Bars
Line a 9″x 9″ baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a large bowl, add bananas and mash with a fork until soft and squishy.
Add peanut butter. Mix together with the banana until everything is smooth. (note: this step can be done with a whisk or spatula)
Add rolled oats.
Add cranberries, and pitted dates (note: CHOKING HAZARD *pits in dates* – parents please take extra care to ensure that there are no pits in any dates, prior to adding them to your batter!).
Spread your mixture into your prepared baking pan. Press mixture into the pan and spread flat.
(optional): Sprinkle surface of pan with chocolate chips.
*STEP FOR PARENTS* Place baking pan in an oven preheated to 350F (325F convection bake). Bake for 22-25 minutes or until edges are golden brown and surface is firm.
*STEP FOR PARENTS* Remove from the oven. Allow bars to cool in the baking pan for 10 minutes then transfer to fridge for at least 20 minutes to continue cooling.
Cut, serve, and enjoy!
Also check out:
Easy Baked Pears
Easy Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread
Banana Nut Muffins
Toddler Friendly Banana Oat Bars {with Cranberry and Dates!}
Ingredients
- 3 Medium Bananas (ripe)
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (natural)
- 2 1/4 cup Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned or Sprouted)
- 1/2 cup Dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup Dates (pitted) roughly chopped
Optional
- 1/4 cup Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Line a 9"x 9" baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add bananas and mash with a fork until soft and squishy.
- Add peanut butter. Mix together with the banana until everything is smooth.
- Add rolled oats, then cranberries, and pitted dates (note: CHOKING HAZARD *pits in dates* – parents please take extra care to ensure that there are no pits in any dates, prior to adding them to your batter!).
- Spread your mixture into your prepared baking pan. Press mixture into the pan and spread flat.
- (optional): Sprinkle surface of baking pan with chocolate chips .
- *STEP FOR PARENTS* Place baking pan in an oven preheated to 350F (325F convection bake). Bake for 22-25 minutes or until edges are golden brown and surface is firm.
- *STEP FOR PARENTS* Remove from the oven. Allow bars to cool in the baking pan for 10 minutes then transfer to fridge for at least 20 minutes to continue cooling.
- Cut, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Slow down – Let your toddler feel the oats, smell the bananas, and hear the sound of mixing. Talk about how the ingredients look, smell, and feel—it’s a great way to slow down and be present.
- Mashing is fun! Give your little one a fork or a potato masher and let them get mashing! It’s so much fun for little hands and a great way to practice coordination.
- Have ingredients ready in bowls – I love to lay out small bowls of cranberries, dates, and chocolate chips, and let kids sprinkle in their favourites. Giving choices makes baking more engaging!
- Make a ‘Baking Song’ – Singing a simple song while stirring or waiting for the oven timer can make the experience feel more special and rhythmic.
- Start a routine – Pair your freshly baked bars with a cup of warm milk or tea for a cozy, calming snack time.